Zelenskyy Seeks Grain Transit and Strengthens Polish Alliance

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested that Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary allow the transit of Ukrainian grain cargoes to Western Europe. The request follows a Russian campaign of attacks in the Black Sea that nearly halted agricultural exports from Ukrainian ports, which typically handle 90% of the country's wheat, corn, and sunflower seed exports.

During talks on Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar agreed to reset ties with Ukraine. Magyar stated there would be no obstacle to the measure provided the grain merely transits through Hungary in sealed trains to other destinations, mirroring solutions used at the start of the 2022 invasion. However, Magyar maintained that Hungary will not send arms to Ukraine and continues to demand progress on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority.

On Saturday, Zelenskyy announced that relations between Ukraine and Poland have improved, crediting the efforts of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Speaking from the airport in Rzeszów, Poland, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of a strong alliance to stand against Russia, noting that Moscow is concerned by the partnership. He expressed confidence that the two nations will resolve complex problematic issues to build a relationship based on respect and European security.